By Bonny Burrows
A new sport and community reserve is coming soon to Pakenham.
Construction on James Bathe Recreation Reserve, a multipurpose space to be located at 67 Caversham Drive, will begin early next year.
The $10.3 million development will include a two sports ovals, walking paths, ample car parking, an integrated playground with skate facilities, multi-purpose cricket practice and futsal nets, a multi-use ball court, two netball courts, wetlands, barbecues and community and sports pavilion.
Once complete, James Bathe Recreation Reserve will also become home to a new football/netball club as well as a new West Gippsland Cricket Association club.
Melbourne construction company McMahons was awarded the contract for the “incredibly exciting” project at the shire’s 11 December general council meeting.
In awarding the contract, councillors addressed community concern there were perhaps too many sporting reserves across the shire.
“Sometimes our residents get cross that we’re doing all these recreational ovals…but they do also provide a place for passive sports,” Cr Jodie Owen said.
The council revealed that it strategically placing the reserves within growth corridors across the shire to fuel community engagement.
Its aim, according to the councillors, was provide young people a community space where they could engage in recreational and passive sports without barriers such as the need for public transport.
They said research had proven that those engaged in team sports were less likely to be involved in crime.
“It’s really important to engage our young people…and sports are a great way to do that,” Cr Brett Owen said.
Stage one of the development is expected to be completed by 2020, while stage two should be completed the following year.
Design works on the pavilion are still being finalised.
